Bemidji State University senior quarterback Lance Rongstad (Eleva, Wis.) was named Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Offensive Player of the Week Tuesday after guiding the Beavers to a 2012 season opening victory Aug. 31. The senior captain threw for 228 yards and a career-high four touchdowns to lead BSU to a 25-23 home victory against Upper Iowa University and become the first Bemidji State NSIC Offensive Player of the Week since 2006.

In addition to his yards through the air, Rongstad also totaled 58 yards rushing on 18 attempts to lead the Beaver rushing attack. Rongstad was an efficient 24-for-38 (63.2%) and hit seven different receivers – six of which had at least three receptions. Down 23-19 with less than 2:30 to play in regulation, Rongstad orchestrated a 13-play, 75-yard drive and eventually connected with junior fullback Brent Kondziolka (Orland Park, Ill.) on a five-yard touchdown pass with 40 ticks remaining in the fourth quarter to hand the Beavers a 25-23 lead. In the drive, Rongstad threw for all of the 75 yards and connected with four different receivers.

University of Mary cleaned up the rest of the weekly honors, as Scott Maldonado was named NSIC Defensive Player of the Week and Tyler Ryan earned Special Teams Player of the Week.